Professor Delves with Bob MuirCQUniversity Rockhampton has honoured Australian NAIDOC Elder of the Year, Bob Muir, with a celebratory afternoon tea.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves said that although she had not previously met Mr Muir, his reputation had preceded him.

This renown has come through his work within the University in areas as diverse as working with academics David Meyers, Liz Huf and Lorna MacDonald on their acclaimed book Sin, Sweat & Sorrow; through to work he had done with Nulloo Yumbah, and the highly sought-after tours of Dharumbal significant sites run through what is now the Office of Development & Graduate Relations.

Professor Delves praised Mr Muir, especially for his work mentoring young people from his community, giving them a purpose and a focus in their lives.

Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan MP spoke about his admiration for Mr Muir's quiet determination and even-handed approach in gathering together the Woppa people to work toward the hand-back of traditional land at Mt Wheeler and Great Keppel Island. 

Rockhampton Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Rose Swadling agreed, saying that this region was fortunate to have a person of Mr Muir's calibre working so positively toward reconciliation and positive outcomes for his people and the entire community.

Rose Swadling and Paul Hoolihan with Bob Muir

Other speakers included Fiona Anderson, Acting Business Manager, Fitzroy River & Coastal Catchment; Associate Professor Stewart Lockie, Director, Centre for Social Science Research CQUniversity Australia; Dr Liz Huf from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Education CQUniversity Australia; and Dave Orgill, District Manager, Qld Parks & Wildlife Service.

They all spoke about Bob's strength of character and his non-confrontational determination to reach goals he had set for himself.

Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee members Margaret Lawton, Connie Coolwell and Dorothy Hustler spoke proudly of the work Bob continues to do in the community, and of the achievements of some of the young people he has mentored, and said that it was recognised within their community that if you had Bob Muir walking beside you, you were going to be okay.

Bob Muir continues with his work in the community, amongst other things, working with Indigenous students at Rockhampton High School and on Keppel Island with maintenance and development of important sites.

Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee members Dorothy Hustler, Margaret Lawton and Connie Coolwell with Bob Muir 
Elder of the Year Bob Muir